Arlyss M. Hagen

Arlyss Mae Hagen, age 91, of Middleton, WI was born into eternal life on Saturday, May 18th, 2024.

Arlyss was born in Fargo, North Dakota, on April 26th, 1933, to Dorean and Lloyd Elliott. She graduated from Fargo High School in 1951 and from North Dakota State University with degrees in Home Economics and Related Arts. She was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. On April 23rd,1955, Arlyss married her grade school sweetheart and the love of her life, Jim Hagen. Shortly after they were married, they relocated to Hawaii, where Jim was stationed as a Navy pilot. They spent four wonderful years on Oahu, in their tropical paradise. Their daughter Julie was born shortly before they returned home to Fargo, North Dakota. They moved to Milwaukee, WI, in 1960 and welcomed their second daughter, Linda.

Arlyss had a passion for interior design and architecture. She worked for several architects as a draftsperson during college and eventually designed and drew plans for three of their family homes. Volunteering was at the core of her being, and she played an active role and held numerous leadership positions at school, and in her church. She loved her civic volunteer work, especially during election season. Her creativity and ingenuity knew no bounds, and she loved to work on home remodeling projects where she could swing a good hammer! She was a natural at crafting and floral arranging, and created beautiful centerpieces and bouquets for both of her daughters’ weddings. Gifted at sewing, she spent countless hours designing and making fun and fancy clothing for her entire family. One of her greatest joys in life was the arrival of her grandchildren. She was a hands-on Grandma who took great pride in attending all of their activities, and cheering them on to victory. She loved hosting wonderful family gatherings and holiday celebrations at their home on North Lake.

She will be greatly missed by her entire family and is survived by her two daughters, Julie (Craig) Mahlum and Linda (Steve) Paykel; her five grandchildren, Amy, Jeff and Danny Mahlum, Ryan (Sarah) Buck and Lisa (Andy) Miller; her two step-grandchildren, Hayley and Hunter Paykel; her two great grandchildren; Jack and Charlie Buck; her great step-grandchildren, Bjorn, Evelyn, Emma and Cecelia Paykel; her sister, Sharon (Tom) Wright; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, James Phillip Hagen; parents Dorean and Lloyd Elliott; mother and father-in-law Helen and Philip Hagen; sisters-in-law; June Vangerud, Elaine Hagen; brothers-in-law; Robert Hagen, Tom Vangerud.

A private celebration of her life will be held by her immediate family. Memorials can be made to Angel’s Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Condolences can be sent online to www.evertlukofuneralhome.com